Brew York’s coaching Inn in Clifton York, The Old Grey Mare Inn, has been named as CAMRA’s “Pub of the Season” for Winter.
The historic coaching inn, dating back to the 17th Century, has proven to be a great success with both the local community and beer-lovers since reopening under the Brew York name back in January 2025.
CAMRA, an independent and volunteer-run consumer organisation, award a ‘pub of the season’ four times a year to local pubs who ‘consistently deliver exceptional real ale, offer a welcoming environment, and go the extra mile to champion local beer culture’.
A presentation took place on Friday 16th January where Brew York’s Wayne Smith and Avril King received the award in front of many regulars and visitors.
(L-R) Avril King, Wayne Smith, Melissa Reed (CAMRA)
Avril King, General Manager, The Old Grey Mare, said;
“I’m so, so pleased to receive this from CAMRA – not just for me, but for everyone who works at The Old Grey Mare and everyone who drinks here too. They’ve all made it a fantastic environment which represents everything a good, local, community-focussed pub should be.”
Melissa Reed from CAMARA’s York Brand added;
“The Old Grey Mare have made a very positive impact on York’s beer scene – always pouring great pints of real ale along with a warm welcome and great atmosphere. It’s a pleasure to present them with ‘Pub of the Season’ for Winter, 2025.”
This isn’t the first time a Brew York venue has been the recipient of awards from CAMRA, with two other venues being previous winners.
Wayne Smith, Managing Director, Brew York;
“We’ve been fortunate to receive similar awards for our Taproom in Walmgate as well as the Market Tap in Pocklington and it’s always a great honour for us. A huge amount of thanks goes to Melissa and the CAMRA team who we know work so hard to champion great pubs and great beer, and of course Avril and her team who have made a fantastic success of The Old Grey Mare in their first year.”
Brew York have a busy 2026 ahead which will see them celebrate their 10th birthday in April, upgrades to their Walmgate Beer Hall (which completed last week), as well as opening the redeveloped Goole Market Hall under their Brew+ brand in the coming months. 
(L-R) Adam Hill, Avril King, Melissa Reed, Paul Sams